Brian Westbrook suffered another concussion in Sunday’s devastating loss to the Chargers. First thought that comes to mind is, where do the Eagles and Westbrook go from here? Was this concussion a direct result of not having fully recovered from the previous concussion that had occurred against the Washington Redskins? Westbrook has never played a full NFL season, and you have to wonder what exactly he has have left in the tank.

Sunday’s game featured two elite running backs, Brian Westbrook and LaDanian Tomlinson. Just three years ago, these two were considered the most complete backs in the game, with both being the focal point of the offense. However, with both running backs being on the other side of 30, we are once again seeing two more running backs production decline significantly once reaching that dreaded age of 30. These two have been sidelined this year with injuries which seems to plague running backs more at an older age. It is obvious that both BWest and LT have lost a step and they are not the players they once were. The NFL has recognized that using only one running back reduces the longevity of that player’s career. This is why we have seen so many teams using two and three running backs throughout a game.

Do you think we see Westbrook again this season? There is still plenty of season to be played, but the NFL takes head injuries very seriously. With Westbrook suffering two concussions in the last three weeks, I think it would be a surprise if we see Westbrook again this season. This puts a large bulk on the shoulders of rookie LeSean McCoy, who just can’t seem to pick up a blitz. With Westbrook being such a large figure in the weekly game plan, someone must step up. Yes, Larry Johnson is out there on the free agent list, but I am not sure the Eagles take a run at him.

Brian Westbrook will go down as one of the best running backs to ever come through the Philadelphia organization. However, we are seeing the effects of overusing him over the past years. Earlier this season the team decided to not exercise his $7 million option, which makes him a free agent in 2010. You have to feel bad for Westbrook who has done everything this team has asked for and was a major reason the Eagles enjoyed such success over this past decade. It is incredible how running backs in the NFL falter once hitting the age of 30. Some examples include: Shawn Alexander, Priest Homes, LT, and Marshall Faulk. Unfortunately, it looks as though we may have to include Westbrook into this category. It is hard to digest, but I do not think Westbrook will return as an Eagle after the 2010 season. He is a warrior but you have to realize that he no longer fits into the future of this team.

I agree Chris, especially after seeing how they didn’t bring back Brian Dawkins last year. That move showed that the Eagles don’t like dealing with older players and will do what they THINK is best despite what a player might have meant to the franchise.

Brian Westbrook has been my favorite player for a long time now and it is sad to think of the possibilities that may soon become realities.

This is really sad. You see this happen all throughout the league and you hope that it never happens to “your” guy. Unfortunately, we are boarding the same ship that so many other NFL fans have had to ride when their RB’s reach this point. Not only for BWest, but for LT who I have the utmost respect for, it’s so sad to see them carry a team through a whole season, and just not be able to last when it counts in the playoffs. Also remember all of the hard playoff games Westbrook has played in, probably adding another season or two of wear and tear onto his body. Its a shame to see that this same thing all catches up in the end.

But until the end comes, lets keep on believing that 36 will come back strong although that seems less and less likely.